Devo: Mark 12:38-40

“Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

I learned to be specific in my prayers so my prayers are almost always long. Last year, I started to be more specific about some things so my prayers are longer than before. I pray for my family, friends, students, acquaintances, strangers, etc. It’s been good. I like that I get to do that. I’m happy also every time I get to check answered prayers. However, lately, because of I’ve been busy, my long prayers are rushed. Sometimes my prayers are like items to be checked off the list and I hate it. I feel that I am disrespecting God.

I like being in God’s presence when I am soaked in prayer. I tell God that after all this busy-ness is over, I will bask in prayer again. I still utter long prayers when I’m busy. However, because they’re too long and I don’t have a lot of time, I don’t get to do it wholeheartedly anymore. I usually do this before I start my day and before I sleep. During the day, I say short prayers to God such as, “Please guide me today,” “Help me, God,” etc.

Then I was reminded by God that short prayers are okay before I start and end the day. It’s better to say short but heartfelt prayers than long but mindless prayers. I felt relieved after that. I know short prayers are okay, but I was insisting on including everything in my prayer list. I think it’s because it became a habit that when I didn’t get to do it, it felt like my day wasn’t complete. It wasn’t because I felt holier by doing so.

There is nothing wrong with long prayers as long as it’s from the heart. It’s good that we get to pray for other people. However, God sees beyond the length of our prayers. He sees beyond the words, many or few. I am learning not to feel guilty if I don’t get to say everything that I want to God. It honestly surprises me every time God answers wishes that I don’t get to utter to Him. He is so, so, so, so good! He knows our needs and even without us asking sometimes, He provides.